I was talking to a guy yesterday about things that he liked to do in his free time. The subject of drinking beer with friends came up. He’s a church leader and I’m a church leader. I know leaders who don’t mind alcohol and then I’ve met those who are weirded out by just hearing the word “alcohol”. I’ve heard so many views in the church on this one that it’s confusing. Is it a personal conviction, a sin, a ‘don’t place your convictions on me’ thing, a ‘in private fine but in public no-no’ thing, a ‘Jesus turned water into wine ok’ thing, a ‘cool thing’, a ‘all things in moderation’ thing, a ‘don’t make others stumble’ thing, or a ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ thing? I’m not a drinker because I can’t stand the taste, but I want to know what your thoughts on this…

Should a church leader drink alcohol in public or drink alcohol ever for that matter?

Doing Sunday night services @orchardchurch = me watching online service @chapelhill. Music was awesome during worship service, but that wasn’t what did it for me. It was actually "Jesus Saves" by Carlos Whittaker during baptisms that got me pumped. There’s something about getting excited about what Jesus is doing in lives. More exciting than that football game on Saturday or Sunday– We’re talking about eternity here. So tell me something, what church song got you pumped today? Did the song go back a little ways and it took you to that place in life where you were closer to God than where you are now, or was it newness?

went and bought our first “real” Christmas tree tonight. they delivered it to our door. we brought it inside and here’s what we did with it:

sorry for all the posts with videos in them. Now that Thanksgiving is over it’s straight into Christmas, folks. Oh, and that is my butt.

we went for a hike on Thanksgiving Day…

i am thankful for chairs with backs.
i am thankful for elevators.
i am thankful for forks.
i am thankful for wheels.
i am thankful for self checkout.
i am thankful for socks.
i am thankful for friends and family.
i am thankful that friends and family will tell me how it is.

it’s all in the little stuff.

so, what r u thankful for?

It’s near the end of the year, so before I hear all of the same old jazzy Christmas music, I can say that my favorite album of 2009 is "The Outsiders" by Needtobreathe. No questions, hands down the best music to hit my big ears this year. So people, who was it that made you hit repeat—Miley Cyrus, Jay-Z, Owl City, Justin Bieber…hope it wasn’t that last one.// What has been your favorite album so far of 2009?

Everybody has a story. Everybody has a reputation. I am known as quiet and persistent. Quiet because I just don’t like talking. From an early age I was taught to not say anything unless it was good and valuable. Not a fan of small talk. And persistent because if I want something I make it happen. (If it’s Gods will. Had to throw that in there.) So, what two words describe you best?

Lately I’ve been having to wait on God a lot. And you know what… I might have to wait a while, but I always get my answer. Maybe not right away, but it comes just on time. I’ve always wanted to move to Colorado-it just took a while. It wasn’t the right timing until now. Then, we couldn’t find a place to live as soon as we got out here. I don’t know why we had to stay in hotels for a month, but it was right on time. Somehow, some way, it just worked out. I am reminded of this as I read Cameron Strang’s article in Relevant Magazine named "Waiting on God". Reading it reminded me that I’m no the only one going through stuff in my life that I need an answer on. I’ll admit it– sometimes I forget that there’s someone up there that actually cares about me. I forget about Him and think I can handle things on my own. I fail once again. It’s crap, I know. If I would just realize… So, the only answer we need now is when we should start having kids What’s something you need an answer on?

I visit alot of churches. Some have really good musicians/singers, some have ok musicians/singers, and some should just go home. I get the “all things that exalt God is beautiful in His ears” thing, but then again how great should things sound for the Maker of the Universe? What are your thoughts on this?